You get errors or errors in Microsoft Outlook and suspect that the issue could also be attributable to corruption in your private listing file, which accommodates all of your e-mail and different content material. To assist find the reason for the issue, Microsoft presents the built-in Inbox Restore device, often known as ScanPST.

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The ScanPST device can scan a Private Storage Desk, PST, or Offline Storage Desk, OST, file to diagnose and restore errors within the file. These file codecs are utilized in Outlook to retailer knowledge domestically for private backup and offline entry, respectively. If the device finds any corruption, it presents to restore the errors. This is the way it works.

Earlier than making an attempt to revive a file, the device mechanically creates a backup. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll need to have your individual backup as an added security measure. To search out the situation of the PST or OST file, open Outlook and click on the File menu. Click on the Account Settings button after which choose the Account Settings command.

Within the Account Settings window, click on the Information Information tab. Look at the trail for the file you need to scan and open it in File Explorer. Shut Outlook. Then merely create a backup copy of the file. In case you encounter an error in regards to the file being closed whenever you attempt to again it up, make it possible for Outlook and any functions that use Outlook or combine with Outlook are closed. If needed, open Process Supervisor to see if there are any applications that have to be shut down.

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In File Explorer, browse to the folder containing scanpst.exe to launch the device. The placement varies barely relying in your taste of Outlook and whether or not it’s the 32-bit or 64-bit model. For the 64-bit model, begin by searching to C:Program FilesMicrosoft Workplace. For the 32-bit model, browse to C:Program Information (x86)Microsoft Workplace. From there, drill all the way down to the next areas:

Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019 and 2016 – ..rootOffice16.

Outlook 2013 – ..Office15

Outlook 2010 – ..Office14

Outlook 2007 – ..Office12

If you cannot find the file by a selected path in File Explorer, merely seek for scanpst.exe. Double click on on the file. The window lists the trail for the PST or OST file. If it factors to the mistaken file, click on the Browse button and choose the right file.

With the right PST or OST file listed, click on the Begin button. The device goes by way of eight phases. Assuming the file is corrupt, the device will cease sooner or later and inform you that it has discovered errors within the file. Clicking the Particulars button could or could not will let you present extra info. Both manner, click on on the Restore button.

The device will then show a notification telling you when the restore is full. Click on OK. Run the device once more to see in case your PST or OST file now passes the check. If further errors are discovered, click on the Restore button once more.

In some unspecified time in the future, the device could point out that it has discovered solely minor inconsistencies within the file and that it’s optionally available to restore them. As an alternative of restoring it once more, you would possibly need to test this system’s log file to see the scan outcomes.

To do that, go to the folder that accommodates your PST or OST file. Double-click the log file that begins with the identical title as your mailbox. The log file accommodates plain textual content, so you’ll be able to learn it in Notepad or the same textual content editor. Then open Outlook and attempt to replicate the habits that prompted the issues within the first place.

If Outlook is working correctly, you are good to go. If not, chances are you’ll need to strive one other restore or think about different causes for the errors plaguing Outlook.

How can I inform if my PST file is corrupted?

Widespread indicators of corrupt PST recordsdata embody:

• Error messages, akin to “the file (filename).pst can’t be opened.”
• Outlook doesn’t open or crashes when accessing the PST file.
• Emails, contacts or calendar entries are lacking or can’t be accessed.
• Delays when opening or navigating inside folders saved within the PST file.

Emails present unusual characters or incomplete knowledge.

SEE: The best way to Scan and Restore Corrupt System Information in Home windows 11

How can I stop future PST file corruption?

PST file corruption will be prevented with the next finest practices:

• Maintain PST recordsdata as small as doable: Archive outdated emails, delete pointless gadgets and break up massive PST recordsdata into smaller ones.
• Shut Outlook appropriately: Click on File > Exit, and do not shut down your pc out of the blue when it is working.
• Set up the newest Outlook updates and antivirus software program: Maintaining software program up-to-date ensures bug fixes, whereas antivirus software program prevents malware that may corrupt PST recordsdata.
• Improve defective or unreliable {hardware}: This contains arduous drives or USB drives for storing PST recordsdata.
• Allow auto-archive: AutoArchive reduces the dimensions of your energetic PST file by transferring older gadgets to an archive.
• Don’t use PST recordsdata for processing massive quantities of information: For instance, frequent import/export and enormous attachments.

How can I recuperate PST recordsdata with out ScanPST?

You do not essentially want to make use of ScanPST to recuperate corrupted recordsdata. One different manner is to create a brand new PST file after which import the info.

1. Go to File > Account Settings > Information Information > Add, then choose “Outlook Information File (.pst)” and save the brand new file.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export and choose “Import from one other program or file”. Then choose ‘Outlook Information File (.pst)’.
3. Flick thru your corrupted PST and choose “Don’t import duplicates,” then full the wizard to maneuver any recoverable knowledge to the brand new PST file.

You can too restore from a current backup of the broken PST file if in case you have one.

Typically corruption is restricted to sure add-ons or settings, reasonably than the PST file itself. On this case, you’ll be able to entry your non-corrupted file in Outlook’s Protected Mode, the place such settings are disabled. Press Home windows + R, sort outlook.exe /secure, and press Enter to launch it, and for those who can entry your knowledge, think about disabling problematic add-ons.

Fiona Jackson up to date this text in January 2025.